A Hundred Years on Dartmoor; historical notices on the forest and its purlieus during the nineteenth century

William Crossing (1847-1928) was a writer and chronicler of Dartmoor and the lives of its inhabitants. He is considered one of the foremost authorities on Dartmoor and its antiquities, having made the moor the subject of his life's work, producing 18 books in total.

His most famous work, 'A Hundred Years on Dartmoor', was published at the dawn of the twentieth century. The book captures the rich culture, history and landscape of the moor across the nineteenth century, covering topics ranging from moorland roads and industries to nineteenth century celebrities, the Dartmoor peasant and notable occurrences.

Crossing lived part of his life in Mary Tavy and was buried at St. Mary's Church in the village. His grave is located in the upper part of the churchyard.